Plastic electronics hold the promise of cheap, mass-produced devices. But plastic semiconductors have an important flaw: the electronic current is influenced by ‘charge traps’ in the material. These traps, which have a negative impact on plastic light-emitting diodes and solar cells, are poorly understood. [ + ]

Along with understanding the correct regulations, selecting the appropriate cable for an application is equally important. This article explains how to choose the right category, class and type for your cable application. [ + ]

The connector industry has benefited greatly from the rise of personal computer volumes. In recent years, those rewards came from double-digit growth in notebook PCs, including Apple’s version, the MacBook series. [ + ]

A method of generating terahertz signals on an inexpensive silicon chip has been developed by Cornell researchers. [ + ]

A laser for on-chip optical connections that could give computers a huge boost in speed and energy efficiency has been created by electrical engineers. [ + ]

The damage that radiation causes to electronic materials may be at least 10 times greater than previously thought, according to scientist Andrew Steigerwald. [ + ]

How can two materials which do not conduct electricity create an electrically conducting layer when they are joined together? This article explores the various hypotheses to answer this question. [ + ]

The speed with which an engineer can design and assess algorithm variations is critical to efficient optimisation of the design. This article explains the automated process to generate C code from MATLAB algorithms. [ + ]

This article explains how DC/DC converters can be a suitable solution to temporary interruptions such as when loads with high incoming capacitance are connected. [ + ]

Putting graphene into a microchip that could outperform current silicon technology has proved difficult in the past. The answer to this problem may lie in nanoscale systems based on ultrathin layers of materials with exotic properties, called two-dimensional layered materials. Researchers at Penn State in the US applied one such material to produce improved transistor performance at an industrially relevant scale. [ + ]

A Swiss company has developed a range of microrobots complete with micromotors to handle the production of microcomponents. [ + ]

The third year of Electronex, being held at the Australian Technology Park in September, is now 50% bigger than the first exhibition. [ + ]

Traditionally, VNAs have been used to characterise the magnitude and phase performance of a mixer or frequency converter. This article features a test method that fully characterises mixers and frequency converters without reference and calibration mixers. [ + ]

Many IT administrators are unaware of the current use levels of their server racks and IT infrastructure. This article explains how RFID technology can improve the security and efficiency of data centres. [ + ]

This article explains the international standard for enclosures (EN 60529) and defines the protection rating they receive. [ + ]